Distribution ramp for dry agricultural product applicator

ABSTRACT

A distribution ramp system for a dry product applicator with a pneumatic conveyance system is provided which lifts product that drags along a bottom surface(s) of a delivery line&#39;s wall(s) back into a main central or primary airflow portion that carries the product downstream through the pneumatic conveyance system. The system may include a ramp that nests against a bottom wall of the delivery line with a narrow front and wide back so the ramp presents a gradual wedge facing toward the incoming upstream airflow entrained with particulate material of the product, urging particulate material dragging on the bottom wall to lift away from the bottom wall and toward reentry into the primary airflow portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to agricultural product applicationequipment such as self-propelled dry product applicators and; inparticular; to a distribution ramp system for a dry agricultural productapplicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Efforts have been made to allow dry agricultural product applicators toincrease coverage in a single pass of an agricultural field. Theseinclude implementing boom-based pneumatic delivery systems instead ofspinner-based broadcast spreader delivery systems. Other efforts includemaking the applicators larger and implementing longer booms that widenthe application coverage per pass. The longer booms need longer productdelivery lines such as tubes or hoses to pneumatically deliver the dryagricultural product. During pneumatic delivery, dry agriculturalproduct particulate material can drift or settle out of the deliveryline's centrally flowing main airflow portion and cling to or drag alongthe delivery line's inner circumferential surface or inside wallsurface(s). This may include gravitationally settling out or dragging onthe bottom of the inside wall. Relatively long delivery lines that moveproduct toward the outer boom ends may be particularly susceptible tothis type of gravitational or downward settling. The particulatematerial's settling, dragging, or drifting out of the main airflowportion can lead to delivery inconsistencies. These inconsistencies canbe problematic when it occurs near a distributor that divides theairflow into separate airflows that flow through separate downstreamlines to delivery nozzles on the applicator. Particulate materialsettling out of the main airflow upstream of or inside the distributorcan lead to an uneven distribution of the particulate material throughthe distributor's outlet(s), downstream lines, downstream deliverynozzles, and potentially uneven application to the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A distribution ramp system for a dry agricultural product applicatorwith a pneumatic conveyance system is provided which redirects productthat drags along a lower surface(s) of a delivery line's wall(s) backinto a main central or primary airflow. A product delivery line ramp ordistribution ramp of the distribution ramp system may present an angledsurface that is tightly nested against a lower wall of a productdelivery line in a manner that may lift the settled product back intothe primary airflow. The nested ramp may include a narrow front end andwide back end, so the ramp presents a gradual wedge facing toward theincoming upstream airflow entrained with particulate material. Thisurges particulate material dragging on the bottom wall to lift away fromthe bottom wall, directing it upwardly for reentry into the primaryairflow portion without abrupt changes in direction to promoteglancing-type material redirection in preference to collision-inducedbouncing-type redirection, resulting in less pressure drop.

According to one aspect of the invention, a distribution ramp system isprovided for a dry agricultural product applicator with a pneumaticconveyance system through which particulate material of a dryagricultural product is guided from an upstream bulk storage system todownstream nozzles for delivery onto an agricultural field. Thedistribution ramp system may include a product delivery line with acircumferential sidewall that defines a bottom wall or lower wallsegment. A distribution ramp with a ramp body may be mounted against theproduct delivery line lower wall segment. The ramp body may include afirst end that defines a front end facing an upstream direction. Asecond end of the ramp defines a back end facing a downstream direction.A ramp surface extends between the front and back ends and is inclinedwith respect to the product delivery line's lower wall. This arrangementlifts or guides particulate material flowing along the product deliveryline's lower wall segment upwardly away from the product delivery linelower wall.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ramp body may have aconvex surface lower wall that nests snugly against a concave lower wallof the product delivery line, without an abrupt shoulder or interveninggap that could disrupt a smooth flow transition of particulate materialfrom the delivery line onto the ramp surface and without trappingparticulate material between the ramp and the product delivery line.This may be done with the matching radii of curvatures of the engagingconvex and concave surfaces of the ramp body and delivery line. The rampmay have a pair of side edges extending angularly away from each otherfrom the front end to the back end, so the ramp widens toward its backend and presents a narrow front that initially encounters and wedgesunder the low-height flowing particulate material.

According to another aspect of the invention, a mounting arrangement isdefined at a point of engagement between the ramp and the productdelivery line to positionally lock them to each other. The mountingarrangement may include a cooperating projection(s) and receptacle(s).The projection(s) may be defined by orientation bosses that extenddownwardly from the ramp lower wall. The orientation bosses may definegenerally rectangular perimeter shapes and the orientation bosses may bearranged at different angles with respect to each other and alongitudinal axis of the ramp, including aligned with or perpendicularto it.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one lock may bedefined at the engagement of the ramp and the product delivery line toresist withdrawal of the ramp. The lock may include crush ribs at theorientation bosses that can deform to provide shoulders that engagecorresponding surfaces of the product delivery line as mechanical stopsthat resist withdrawal of the orientation bosses. The orientation bossesmay be taller than a thickness dimension of the product delivery linesidewall, so outer ends of the bosses extend beyond an outercircumferential surface of the product delivery line sidewall.Corresponding exposed portions of the crush ribs may deform to providebarb-like or other shoulders that resist withdrawal of the bosses fromthe openings or receptacles of the product delivery line.

Other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an agricultural machine shown as aself-propelled dry product applicator with a distribution ramp systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified partially schematic isometric view of thedistribution ramp system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the simplified partially schematic isometric view of thedistribution ramp system of FIG. 2 with a partial cutaway;

FIG. 4 is a simplified partially schematic isometric view of adistribution ramp of the distribution ramp system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view from below the distribution ramp of FIG. 4;and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the distribution rampsystem of FIG. 1 during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1, a distributionramp system is shown as system 5 that improves delivery consistency byredirecting pneumatically conveyed particulate matter of a dryagricultural product away from delivery line walls and back into a mainairflow portion to provide a more uniform distribution of particulatematter in the conveying airflow.

Still referring to FIG. 1, system 5 is incorporated in an agriculturalmachine shown as a self-propelled dry product applicator 9, such as aCase IH-Titan™ series floater applicator available from CNH Industrial.The agricultural machine may be other machines including otherapplicators that use pneumatic conveyance to deliver, for example,particulate material, such as dry agricultural product, through booms orother structures with delivery lines.

Still referring to FIG. 1, applicator 9 includes chassis 11 with achassis frame that supports various assemblies, systems, and components.These various assemblies, systems, and components include a cab, anengine, a hydraulic system that receives power from the engine toprovide hydraulic pressure for operating hydraulic components andsystem, a bulk storage system 13 that includes a bin 15 that may havemultiple compartments for storing different types of dry agriculturalproduct(s) as volumes of respective particulate material 17, such asfertilizer, herbicide and insecticide. Boom system 19 pneumaticallybroadcasts or delivers the particulate material 17 to the agriculturalfield and includes segmented or other boom arms that can be folded fortransportation or unfolded for use, such as left and right boom arms 21,23 and a rear boom 25. Each of the left and right boom arms 21, 23 andrear boom 25 extends generally transversely with respect to theapplicator's 9 longitudinal axis, when extended for application use.

Still referring to FIG. 1, pneumatic delivery or conveyance system 27receives the particulate material from bin 15 through a metering system.Fan(s) 29 of the pneumatic conveyance system 27 may be hydraulicallydriven and delivers an airflow that entrains the particulate materialthat is released through the metering system. Pneumatic conveyancesystem 27 includes a delivery line system 31 that is supported by boomsystem 19.

Still referring to FIG. 1, delivery line system 31 includes a series ofproduct delivery lines shown as delivery lines 33 that direct theparticulate material 17 from its upstream storage in a downstreamdirection to nozzles 35 at ends of the delivery lines 33. Delivery lines33 include various line segments, including primary delivery lines,product distributors, and secondary delivery lines. The primary deliverylines are shown here as short lines 37 (only one visible in this view)that extend a relatively shorter distance along their respective boomarms 21, 23 and long lines 39 that extend a relatively further distancealong the respective boom arms 21, 23. Outer ends of the short and longlines 37, 39 are connected to product distributors 41.

Referring now to FIG. 2, each product distributor 41 is configured todivide a primary airflow into multiple secondary airflows respectivelydirected through secondary delivery lines, shown as secondary lines 43with smaller diameters than the short and long lines 37, 39 and extendfrom the product distributor 41 to the nozzles 35. Distributor 41 isshown here with an agitator or mixer 45 in the product distributor 41.Mixer 45 has a mixer shaft 47 rotated by a motor (not shown) and withmixer fingers 49 that extend radially from the shaft 47 to collide withand deflect the particulate material 17 (FIG. 1) entrained in theconveying airflow. This randomizes and provides a more even distributionor better distribution of the particulate material 17. This equalizesthe amount of particulate material 17 that is divided into and flowsthrough the different secondary lines 43.

Still referring to FIG. 2, distributor 41 has a tubular main distributorbody 51 with inlet end 53 that is connected to an upstream primarydelivery line, such as short or long line 37, 39. Outlet end 55 includesdivider 57 that has a conically expanding portion with multiple outlets59 connected to the multiple downstream secondary lines 43. Maindistributor body 51 is shown here in a segmented configuration withfirst and second body segments 63, 65 respectively at the inlet andoutlet ends 53, 55. Connectors, represented here as v-band clamps 67,are shown as the connection hardware that secures the first body segment63 to short or long line 37, 39 at a joint 68 and also secures the firstand second body segments 63, 65 to each other to define a distributortube joint 69 at their engagement(s).

Referring now to FIG. 3, system 5 is shown implemented in long line 39,upstream and adjacent distributor 41. Although mixer 45 (FIG. 2) may beimplemented in distributor 41, it is not shown here to simplify theview. System 5 includes a distribution ramp shown as ramp 71 that ismounted in the long line 39. Long line 39 includes a circumferentialsidewall 73 with a lower wall segment of the product delivery line,shown here as bottom wall 75 that supports ramp 71. Ramp 71 presents anangle of attack or ramp angle with respect to bottom wall 75 that liftsproduct or particulate material 17 (FIG. 1) that drags along bottom wall75. The angle of attack or ramp angle is typically between about2-degrees and 25-degrees, plus or minus 10-percent, more typicallybetween about 3-degrees and 10-degrees, and most typically about5-degrees, plus or minus 10-percent.

Referring now to FIG. 4, ramp 71 includes ramp body 77 mounted againstthe delivery line lower wall segment or bottom wall 75. First and secondends, shown as front and back ends 81, 83 respectively face upstream anddownstream in long line 39. Ramp top wall 85 presents a generally planarramped surface 87. Ramp bottom wall 91 presents a generally curvedsurface, shown here as convex surface 93. A radius of curvature ofconvex surface 93 is shown matching a radius of curvature of bottomwall's 75 upwardly facing concave surface 95. This allows the ramp 71 tonest snugly against bottom wall 75 with an entire length of a curvedlower edge 97 of ramp body's front end 81 in face-to-face engagementwith a corresponding portion of bottom wall 75.

Still referring to FIG. 4, ramp 71 may have a generally triangularperimeter shape when viewed from above. A pair of side edges 101, 103extend angularly away from each other from the front end 81 to the backend 83, giving ramp body 77 a variable width that widens from its frontto back ends 81, 83. The widening and increased thickness of ramp 71,toward its back end 83 or along its length in the downstream direction,provides the direction-changing surface from which the settledparticulate material may launch back toward a central portion of theproduct delivery line's interior. Correspondingly, the downwardlythinning and inwardly tapering form of ramp 71 toward its front end 81or along its length in the upstream direction provides a narrow and thinend at the front of ramp 71 that can glancingly engage below or wedgeunder the flowing mass of settled particulate material 17 (FIG. 1)traveling past ramp 71 while flowing in the downstream direction.

Still referring to FIG. 4, mounting arrangement 105 secures the ramp 71to long line 39. Mounting arrangement 105 may include at least oneprojection cooperating with a receptacle, shown here with a pair ofprojections 107 of ramp 71 that engage in a pair of receptacles 109 oflong line bottom wall 75 that have perimeter shapes that correspond tothose of the projections 107. Projections 107 are received in thereceptacles 109 to longitudinally and transversely locate distributionramp 71 with respect to the product delivery line, shown as long line39.

Referring now to FIG. 5, this view of ramp 71 shows it upside down witha pair of projections 107 extending from ramp bottom wall 91 as a pairof orientation bosses. The orientation bosses are represented as frontorientation boss 111 and rear orientation boss 113. Each orientationboss 111, 113 typically has a perimeter shape that corresponds to aperimeter shape defined by an edge surrounding an opening of thecorresponding receptacle 109 (FIG. 4), shown here as a generallyrectangular shape with rounded corners. Orientation bosses 111, 113 areshown with generally hollow bodies defined by interconnected walls,including a pair of shorts sidewalls 115 and a pair of long sidewalls117 that collectively define the generally rectangular perimeter shape.Orientation bosses 111, 113 are arranged generally perpendicularly withrespect to each other, shown here with a front orientation boss 111arranged longitudinally and rear orientation boss 113 arrangedtransverse with respect to the length of ramp 71. The long sidewalls 117of front orientation boss 111 are generally parallel to a longitudinalaxis of ramp 71 and the long sidewalls 117 of rear orientation boss 113are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of ramp 71. Backwall 121 is defined at back end 83 and has a curved lower edge 123 witha radius of curvature that matches that of the concave surface of bottomwall 75 (FIG. 4) and a flat or straight top wall 125 which correspondsto the top and edge of ramp 71 from which particulate material 17 leavesramp 71 while flowing over it. Toward back end 83, ramp bottom wall 91is shown here with a series of depressions 127 separated from each otherby upwardly extending curved ribs 129 that present curved surfaces thatpartially define the convex surface 93 of ramp bottom wall 91

Still referring to FIG. 5, at least one lock of the projection(s) 107engages the product delivery line circumferential sidewall, such asbottom wall 75, to resist withdrawal of the projection(s) 107 from therespective receptacle 109 (FIG. 4) opening. The lock(s) is representedhere as a crush rib(s) 131 that extend outwardly from and along a majorportion of the height of the projection(s) 107, such as alongsubstantially the entire height of long sidewalls 117. Crush rib 131faces transversely outward from or to the side(s) of the ramp 71 offront orientation boss 111 and multiple crush ribs 131 facelongitudinally outward from or to the rear of ramp 71. Although notshown, it is appreciated that crush ribs 131 extend from other surfacesof orientation bosses 111, 113, such as the opposite long sidewalls 117so each orientation boss 111, 113 has crush ribs 131 extending fromopposite sidewalls. Each crush rib 131 made from a polymeric orelastomeric material that deforms to allow insertion of orientationbosses 111, 113 into the receptacle 109 (FIG. 4), with the deformationor restorative biasing frictionally and otherwise locking orientationbosses 111, 113 in place within receptacle 109 (FIG. 4).

Referring now to FIG. 6, ramp 71 is shown mounted to long line 39 withorientation bosses 111, 113 locked into receptacles 109. Orientationbosses 111, 113 have a greater height than the thickness dimension ofthe long line circumferential sidewall 73 or bottom wall 75. This allowsorientation bosses 111, 113 to extend entirely through the thicknessdimension of bottom wall 75, with lower ends of the orientation bosses111, 113 exposed outside of the long line 39. When crush ribs 131 aredeformed during insertion of orientation bosses 111, 113 throughreceptacles 109, they present shoulders or barb-like masses that extendbeyond perimeter edges of receptacles 109, which mechanically locks ramp71 into long line 39.

Still referring now to FIG. 6, upstream of ramp 71 or at its front end81, most of particulate material 17 is shown clinging to and flowingalong the bottom wall 75 of long line 39, as settled particulatematerial that is guided by the airflow's peripheral airflow portion 151.Fewer pieces of particulate material 17 are entrained in the primary orcentral airflow portion 153 upstream of or at the front end 81 of ramp71. At ramp 71, particulate material 17 slides along the productdelivery line bottom wall, and then glances off the ramp's top wall 85,which guides it out of the peripheral airflow portion 151 and backtoward or into central airflow portion 153. Downstream of ramp 71,particulate material 17 defines a more uniform distribution in itsentrainment in the central airflow portion 153.

Still referring to FIG. 6, ramp 71 is shown here immediately upstreamand adjacent to joint 68. At joint 68, a flange 161 of the firstdistributor body segment 63 is shown with a thicker base and taperingouter radial portion that engages a cooperating structure of an adapterring 163, represented as flange 165, when squeezed by v-band clamp 67.Adapter ring 163 has a front collar 167 that extends from the adapterring's main body portion and inserts into an annular slot or groove ofdistributor body segment 63, radially below flange 161. Rear collar 169extends from the adapter ring's main body portion in the oppositedirection from front collar 167 and provides an annular slot or groovethat receives an end of long line 39, radially below and abutting ashoulder defined between the collar 169 in the main body portion ofadapter ring 163.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. One example is that although system 5is shown in a horizontal use orientation, it is understood that it canbe implemented in a vertical use orientation, depending on theparticular end-use application. This can be done by mountingdistribution ramp 71 in a line or other component that is arrangedgenerally vertical instead of horizontal. The above description(s) ofcomponents and systems of the horizontal orientation apply equally tosuch a vertical orientation, only rotated 90° or upright. As anotherexample, although ramp 71 is described as a friction fit-type mountingthat may deform the crush ribs 131, it is understood that other mountingapproaches can be implemented. Examples include mounting ramp 71 to line39 with fasteners or other mounting hardware or by adhesion with asuitable adhesive product. In implementations in which both ramp 71 andline 39 are made from similar metallic materials, ramp 71 may beattached to line 39 by welding. The scope of these changes will becomeapparent from the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A distribution ramp system for a dry agricultural productapplicator with a pneumatic conveyance system through which particulatematerial of a dry agricultural product is guided from an upstream bulkstorage system to downstream nozzles for delivery onto an agriculturalfield, the distribution ramp system comprising: a product delivery lineof the pneumatic conveyance system, the product delivery line includinga circumferential sidewall that defines a wall segment; and adistribution ramp with a ramp body mounted against the product deliveryline wall segment; the ramp body including: a first end that defines afront end facing an upstream direction; a second end that defines a backend facing a downstream direction; and a ramp surface extending betweenthe front and back ends, the ramp surface inclined with respect to theproduct delivery line wall segment to guide particulate material flowingalong the product delivery line wall segment upwardly away from theproduct delivery line wall segment while traveling along the rampsurface; a mounting arrangement at a point of engagement between theramp body and the product delivery line to positionally lock the rampbody with respect to the product delivery line and wherein the mountingarrangement includes: a projection; and a receptacle; with theprojection received in the receptacle to longitudinally and transverselylocate the distribution ramp with respect to the product delivery line;wherein: the projection defines a first projection extending from thedistribution ramp; the receptacle defines a first receptacle extendinginto the product delivery line circumferential sidewall; and mountingarrangement further includes: a second projection extending from thedistribution ramp; a second receptacle extending into the productdelivery line circumferential sidewall that receives the secondprojection of the distribution ramp; wherein: each of the first andsecond projections defines a height dimension; the product delivery linecircumferential sidewall defines a thickness dimension; and the heightdimensions of the first and second projections are greater than thethickness dimension of the product delivery line circumferentialsidewall; the first and second receptacles are defined by first andsecond openings extending through the entire thickness dimension of theproduct delivery line circumferential sidewall; and the first and secondprojections of the distribution ramp extend entirely through the firstand second openings and beyond the product delivery line circumferentialsidewall.
 2. The distribution ramp system of claim 1, wherein: theproduct delivery line has a circular cross-sectional perimeter shapewith the product delivery line wall segment defining a concave surface;the ramp body has a bottom wall defining a convex surface; and the rampbody bottom wall convex surface nests against the product delivery linewall segment concave surface.
 3. The distribution ramp system of claim2, wherein the product delivery line defines a lower wall segment andthe ramp body is nested against the lower wall segment.
 4. Thedistribution ramp system of claim 3, the ramp body including: a pair ofside edges extending angularly away from each other from the front endto the back end so that the ramp surface has a variable width thatwidens from the front end to the back end.
 5. The distribution rampsystem of claim 1, wherein the ramp body is secured to the productdelivery line by at least one of a fastener, an adhesive, or by way ofwelding.
 6. The distribution ramp system of claim 1, wherein each of thefirst and second projections includes at least one lock that engages theproduct delivery line circumferential sidewall to resist withdrawal ofthe first and second projections from the respective first and secondopenings.
 7. The distribution ramp system of claim 6, wherein at leastone lock is defined by a crush rib that extends along the heightdimension of each of the first and second projections.
 8. Thedistribution ramp system of claim 7, wherein the first and secondprojections are defined by first and second orientation bosses, witheach of the orientation bosses including: a pair of short sidewalls; apair of long sidewalls that have a greater length or width dimensionthan the short sidewalls; pair of short sidewalls and the pair of longsidewalls intersecting each other to define a generally rectangularperimeter shape of the orientation bosses.
 9. The distribution rampsystem of claim 8, wherein the first and second orientation bosses arearranged generally perpendicularly with respect to each other, with: afirst one of the pair of orientation bosses is arranged with its longsidewalls generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the distributionramp; and a second one of the pair of orientation bosses is arrangedwith its long sidewalls generally perpendicularly to the longitudinalaxis of the distribution ramp.
 10. The distribution ramp system of claim9, wherein: the first orientation boss includes at least one crush ribextending transversely away from the longitudinal axis of thedistribution ramp; and the second orientation boss includes at least onecrush rib extending aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe distribution ramp.
 11. The distribution ramp system of claim 9,wherein at least one of the orientation bosses includes multiple crushribs on at least one of its sidewalls.
 12. The distribution ramp systemof claim 1, wherein the product delivery line is a first productdelivery line; and the system includes a second product delivery linedefining a product distributor connected to, and receiving product fromthe first product delivery line; and wherein: the product distributorincludes: an inlet end connected to the first product delivery line as aprimary delivery line through which a primary airflow carriesair-entrained dry agricultural product; and an outlet end connected tomultiple downstream secondary delivery lines through which respectivesecondary airflows carry air-entrained dry agricultural product; and thedistribution ramp is mounted upstream of the product distributor outletend.
 13. The distribution ramp system of claim 12, wherein thedistribution ramp is mounted in the first product delivery line upstreamof the product distributor inlet end to guide the dry agriculturalproduct along a travel path extending angularly upward away from thedelivery line wall segment.
 14. The distribution ramp system of claim12, wherein: the distributor includes a distributor body; a mixer with amixer shaft is arranged concentrically in the distributor body androtates to distribute the dry agricultural product in the distributorbody; and the distribution ramp is mounted upstream of the productdistributor inlet end to guide the dry agricultural product toward themixer shaft.